National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant (NGG)
Washington’s National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant supports Guard members and eligible dependents in undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certificate programs at approved in-state institutions. It applies to authorized programs and campuses; it is not an automatic waiver at any school or payment for out-of-state tuition. The 2026–27 application is open. Published base maximums are $2,500 at community and technical colleges; $3,500 at Western Governors University
About National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant (NGG)
Washington’s National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant supports Guard members and eligible dependents in undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certificate programs at approved in-state institutions. It applies to authorized programs and campuses; it is not an automatic waiver at any school or payment for out-of-state tuition.
The 2026–27 application is open. Published base maximums are $2,500 at community and technical colleges; $3,500 at Western Governors University Washington; $4,500 for applied bachelor’s programs at CTCs and regional public universities; and $6,500 at four-year private or public research institutions. Up to $500 once for books and supplies may be added. The award does not automatically cover full tuition.
Eligible applicants include active participating Washington Air or Army National Guard members and dependents of an active member who are registered in DEERS. Applicants need FAFSA or WASFA, good standing, and satisfactory progress. Recipients commit to one Guard service year for each aid year; this may run concurrently with an existing contract.
The grant can help with costs after other aid and, if a student receives no federal, state, or institutional aid, WSAC says it may be used as a non-need award. Ask financial aid how it coordinates with FAFSA, military benefits, and outside scholarships, and confirm payment dates. WSAC lists nationalguard@wsac.wa.gov.
Who it serves and what it can cover: Washington’s National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant supports Guard members and eligible dependents in undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certificate programs at approved in-state institutions. It applies to authorized programs and campuses; it is not an automatic waiver at any school or payment for out-of-state tuition. The 2026–27 application is open. Published base maximums are $2,500 at community and technical colleges; $3,500 at Western Governors University Washington; $4,500 for applied bachelor’s programs at CTCs and regional public universities; and $6,500 at four-year private or public research institutions. Up to $500 once for books and supplies may be added. The award does not automatically cover full tuition.
How to apply or get help: Eligible applicants include active participating Washington Air or Army National Guard members and dependents of an active member who are registered in DEERS. Applicants need FAFSA or WASFA, good standing, and satisfactory progress. Recipients commit to one Guard service year for each aid year; this may run concurrently with an existing contract. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
College financial-aid program